Family repeatedly targeted in swatting scam

TOMBALL, TX (KTRK) -- On a quiet Tomball street the sound of a police siren has everyone on their toes, but the sound of multiple sirens was beyond frightening for a homeowner who doesn't want to be identified.

"I was just sitting there watching football and fell asleep and the next thing I know I wake up to the constables with shotguns and stuff pointed at my face," he recalled.

It happened Sunday afternoon. Five Harris County Precinct 4 constables responded after receiving a threatening call for help that said "the son had shot the sister, the dad, the mom had several other family members tied up at the house."

It turned out that it was a bogus call. It's a prank making its rounds across the country known as swatting.

"It's probably one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of in my life," the victim said.

This family became a victim twice just this past weekend.

"It's crazy, it's dangerous, and somebody's going to get hurt."